CSC convictions helped by early reporting of crime

Officials say sexual assault is rarely reported, and Midland County isn't an exception.

Of all the crimes charged through the Midland County Prosecutor's Office, 4 percent are sex-related.

"That's only the reported crimes," Prosecutor Mike Carpenter said. "Criminal sexual conduct and assaultive crimes are done in secret, behind closed doors in a time and place where no one can catch you."

There were more people charged with sexual assault in 2005 than in the five previous years, he said, adding first- and third- degree criminal sexual assault charges are the most common.

Prosecution of the cases becomes more difficult the longer the victim waits to make the report, Carpenter said, because it helps the defense attorney to develop a motive for the victim to fabricate the assault, and the victims ability to recall details of the crime is reduced.

"The faster we get the cases to come in, the better the chance we have for a conviction," he said.